Moore

Maybe you were one of the lucky ones to hear these singers: A group of about 20 people, adults and children, embarked on a special night of caroling this past holiday season, inspired by Extreme Martial Arts owners Cindy and husband Russ Moore. The group met at the martial arts studio in the Plaza South, then ventured to three local homes of people who needed a bit more joy for the holidays. I understand cookies were shared with each family they visited.

A banner, signed by local community members, was sent to Moore, Okla., on Monday, July 8, with words of support.

The banner was made and donated by Unlimited Signs Designs & Graphics in Brookfield, and was a combined effort between Monroe Police Department Officer Todd Keeping and his wife Lisa, who are also Newtown residents.

Four men with direct ties to Sandy Hook, including one current and two former residents, drove to Moore, Okla., within days of a fatal EF5 tornado. “We had an immense amount of love pour into our town in December, and it continues to show up,” said Peter Baressi, second from right. “We need to not feel helpless. We need to share it,” he said, explaining why he and three friends drove 36 hours to deliver two trailers filled with supplies for those affected by the May 20 twister.

Newtown resident Kim Calbo remembers how nice it was, after 12/14, to walk into a local restaurant or coffee shop and discover that a complete stranger — sometimes from across the country — was picking up the tab that day for anyone who ordered food or drinks. During a time of great stress and sadness, it was a lift that so many in Newtown appreciated, and now Ms Calbo feels that the community has the opportunity to pay it forward.

In the wake of 12/14, the Town of Newtown was the beneficiary of overwhelming generosity from all over the world. The City of Moore, Oklahoma is now suffering terribly. Let us all contribute whatever we can .